Neurotransmitter Test Description
The extensive Neurotransmitter Assessment is a urine profile test, assessing levels of 6 neurotransmitters or ‘Brain Chemicals’: serotonin, GABA, dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline, and glutamate. These 6 neurotransmitters are the most researched in relation to their effects on mood disorders, hormones, sleep, glucose/insulin balance, pain perception, appetite, and cognitive function.
Low or high levels of neurotransmitters may be observed in various mental health disorders, such as depression, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Parkinson’s disease and panic attacks.
Testing Neurotransmitter Levels: Why Are They Important?
Serotonin
In the Central Nervous System, Serotonin is believed to play an important role as a neurotransmitter in the regulation of anger, appetite, body temperature, mood, sexuality and sleep. Low levels may be associated with aggression, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, impulsivity, irritability and sleep disorders.
Dopamine
Is believed to be involved in the regulation of pleasure and reward, memory, motor control, sleep, mood, attention and learning. Lowered dopamine has been associated with loss of satisfaction, social withdrawal, apathy, reduced motivation and attention. In addition, low dopamine levels can result in impaired motor control, e.g. Parkinson’s disease. High levels of dopamine may result in aggression, Schizophrenia, hyperactivity and Tourette’s syndrome.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)
Is concentrated in the hypothalamus region of the brain and is known to play a role in the overall functioning of the pituitary gland – which regulates growth hormone synthesis, sleep cycles, and body temperature.
Noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and adrenaline (epinephrine)
Are excitatory neurotransmitters as well as hormones. They are most well known for their involvement in the ‘fight and flight’ response, in which they increase heart rate, trigger the release of glucose from energy stores and increase blood flow to skeletal muscle. Low levels contribute to a decrease in mood, energy, focus, motivation and memory. High levels may be associated with aggression, anxiety, emotional lability, hyperactivity, mania, stress and suppression of the immune system.
Glutamate
Is involved in most aspects of normal brain function including cognition, memory and learning.
Information sourced from Nutripath Pathology Test Description and Sample Report on 12/04/17
NEUROTRANSMITTER TEST PRICING
If you are struggling with mood disorders, anxiety or depression, make an appointment with one of the team to have a Neurotransmitter Assessment and let us help get to the bottom of your symptoms.
Book an online consultation or a face to face appointment at our Brisbane or Graceville clinics and let us help you understand what may be causing your mood issues and develop a treatment plan to support you.
Nutritional Medicine can have a profound effect on balancing and supporting healthy neurotransmitter levels. You can book your appointment here.
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